Page 32 of Hidden Resolution

On her persistent caller’s fourth attempt, Shonda answered.

“Ms. Grant? This is Nancy from Stonebrooke Memorial Hospital.”

“Yes, I’m Shonda Grant. How may I help you, Nancy?”

“You’re listed as the emergency contact for Erica Sutton. Is that correct?”

Her stomach plunged through all three floors of her apartment building to the ground below.

“What happened to Erica?” Her voice cracked, and her lungs threatened rebellion.

“Ma’am, I hate to inform you this way, but Ms. Sutton was injured in an attack. She’s being prepped for emergency surgery. Do we have your verbal consent to proceed?”

“What? Oh, y-yes. Of course.” She was babbling, but the shock was great. “Do whatever you have to. Can you tell me how bad it is? Is she going to be okay?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t give any more information over the phone.” Nancy was kind but firm. “We’ll need you to sign paperwork in person, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions at that time.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

Erica.

Attacked!

Of all the things to happen in sleepy Stonebrooke!

Her mind struggled to make sense of it as she yanked on jeans. Sending up a frantic prayer for Erica’s successful surgery, Shonda grabbed her keys and ran for the parking garage. Traffic was light, and fortunately, she arrived at the hospital in under nine minutes, securing a front-row spot.

Hopefully, it was a sign from the universe that everything would be okay. She bolted for the entrance with nothing on her mind but finding out Erica’s current condition.

“Shonda?”

She skidded to a halt and whirled around.

Mason.

“What…? Why are you…?” Shaking her head, she pressed a finger to her gathered brows.

He must’ve read her confusion, elaborating without her needing to.

“My brother Zack’s girlfriend was admitted,” he said.

Her mouth opened and closed again, unable to process anything but her driving need to find Erica.

Another man appeared, jogging up beside him. By his resemblance, he was obviously Dane, the youngest of the Sharp brothers.

Suddenly, it was too much. If she didn’t discover what was happening with Erica, she’d have a meltdown on the spot.

“I’ve got to go,” she blurted.

“Hey.” Dane held up a hand. “You’re looking for Erica, right? Come on. I know where she was taken.”

How he knew didn’t matter. If he could lead her to Erica, she’d follow him anywhere.

“Thank you,” she replied, grateful for the assistance.

Together, the three of them raced down the corridor toward the O.R. waiting area.

“What happened to Erica? Is she all right?” Shonda blurted the second they entered the room.